Veronica and Hiram

Veronica and Hiram

Information

Characters

Type of pairing

Status

Started

The father-daughter relationship between Veronica and Hiram Lodge was close, but due to his imprisonment, and Veronica's knowledge of his horrible deeds, the relationship has since become strained.

Ever since Veronica had discovered what her father had done to her new friend Ethel's family, by finding out the business partnership that went wrong between her father Hiram and Manfred Muggs. Veronica has looked differently at the way she looked to her father. As she saw through his lies every time he would buy her a new gift.

Upon the arrival of Hiram, Veronica was bitter towards her father, whom she almost certainly believes was behind the shooting of Fred Andrews and looks at a criminal still, despite his release from prison. She refuses to believe that Hiram has changed for the better, questioning him upon his arrival back in Riverdale. After seeing how upset his daughter was with him, Hiram has tried to win his daughter trust back, but with limited success.

Contents

History

Hiram and Veronica, along with Hermione lived together in New York, until Hiram was arrested for fraud and embezzlement. Veronica and Hermione subsequently decided to move back to Hermione's hometown of Riverdale.

Throughout Riverdale

On Veronica's first day at Riverdale High School, she was almost immediately asked by Kevin if the rumors surrounding her father were true. Dismayed to learn that everyone in town knew, Veronica firmly stated that she stood by her father.[1]

After witnessing her mother give a large amount of cash to a Southside Serpent, Veronica confronted her mother who reluctantly explained that she was handling business for Hiram, who had hired the serpents to decrease the value of the Twilight Drive-In's land so that he could purchase it at a cheaper price. Hermione had been paying the Serpents for a job well done. Saddened by the knowledge that her father really was a criminal, Hermione attempted to comfort her daughter, telling Veronica that her father was a businessman who saw and opportunity and he took it. Old Riverdale was dying out anyways, he was just helping it along. Veronica was of the opinion that what her father had done was wrong, however, Hermione disagreed, asking if Veronica had liked all the perks that wealth had brought them in New York. That was their life, provided to them by Hiram.[2]

Invited to dinner at the Blossom Mansion by Cheryl, Veronica was asked by Cliff Blossom how her father was. He thought it must have been hard for Veronica to witness what happened to Hiram, when he was dragged out of their home in handcuffs in front of both her and her mother. Veronica agreed, telling him the worst part was how quickly it happened, she didn't even have a chance to say goodbye.[3]

During a rehearsal with Josie and the Pussycats, Veronica was stressed and revealed that she hadn't seen her father in three months. She later went to Pop's with Josie, the two commiserating over their fathers. She divulged that she had witnessed her mother kissing Fred Andrews, and that the only thing that kept her going sometimes was the thought of how, upon her father's release from prison, they could be together again and everything would go back to the way things were before. If she told her father of what she'd seen, that wouldn't happen.

The next morning, Hermione approached Veronica with a motion to award Fred the construction contract for development of the drive-in's land. When Hiram was arrested, Veronica was made a legal officer of Lodge Industries and the contract needed two signatures. Veronica stayed loyal to her father and refused to sign and award her mother's "boyfriend" the contract. She then wondered if her mother would stop seeing Fred if she did sign, but Hermione wouldn't, so Veronica stormed out. That night, Veronica found her mother and Fred talking and Fred happily revealed that the SoDale contract was awarded to Andrews Construction, still in the dark as to who the owner was. Veronica then realized that her mother had forged her signature.[4]

In an effort to get her mother to come clean to her father about forging her signature, as she didn't want her father to think she had betrayed him when he found out, Veronica began acting out. She ran up an online shopping bill and went out clubbing on a school night. Eventually, her mother agreed to tell Hiram everything, and she did so by phone, with Veronica by her side.[5]

During breakfast one morning, Hermione informed her daughter that lawyers were coming over that week to take their statements for her father's hearing, and they both had to testify on his behalf. Veronica wondered what to do if they asked about what her father's embezzlement, would she have to lie? Hermione admitted that they might have to shade the truth a bit.

The next day, after learning that friend Ethel Muggs's family was having financial trouble, Veronica took it upon herself to cheer Ethel up by inviting her to lunch at The Pembrooke with her mother, Kevin and Betty. While there, Hermione pulled Veronica aside and informed her that Ethel's father had invested with Hiram, meaning he was responsible for the recent troubles that Ethel's family was facing and they would be testifying against Hiram. Disgusted, Veronica agreed that they should, as her father had ruined so many lives, however, that was merely the downside of investing with Hiram, Hermione explained. Veronica then asked if Fred could lose everything in doing business with her and Hiram, but Hermione was not sure.

A few days later, Veronica was informed by Kevin that Ethel's father had attempted to overdose on sleeping pills and was in the hospital. Distraught, Veronica ran to the bathroom in tears and ripped her pearl necklace off, which had been a gift from her father. That night, Veronica returned home in tears after visiting the Muggs family at the hospital. She informed her mother of what had happened due to her father's actions, which for all Veronica knew, he continued to do and told Hermione that she was done lying for her father.[6]

After the incident with Ethel's father, Veronica met her father's attorney, Paul Sowerberry, who had come by The Pembrooke to prep Hermione and Veronica for their statements and help with Hiram's upcoming court hearing. However, Veronica reminded her mother that she still had no plans on helping her father. Mr. Sowerberry reassured her that they wouldn't ask any questions relating her father's business arrangements, but just needed her to speak to his character, which would humanize him and could potentially result in a lesser sentence. If she didn't make a statement, it would be problematic and damaging. Unfortunately, Veronica still refused to testify on account of all the lives her father had ruined. He had made his bed, and now he had to sleep in it.

Later, in the student lounge, Veronica learned from Archie that when he attend the Blossom family banquet, he had overheard Cliff Blossom say that he was responsible for Veronica's father being sent to jail. Shocked, Veronica wondered why Clifford would have had anything to do with her father being in jail but Archie didn't have an answer. Curious, Veronica dug into her father's business files after school and discovered that Blossom Maple Farms had been paying Lodge Industries significant sums of money going back seventy-five years. The payments continued up until five months prior, when Hiram was arrested. She told her mother of what she found and wondered if Cliff Blossom had implicated her father to get out of paying the fee. Veronica thought they should tell Mr. Sowerberry, however, Hermione was worried that if people found out about the payments, they might think Hiram was responsible for Jason Blossom's death. She reassured her daughter that she didn't think he had anything to do with his murder but advised her to let it go anyway, so as not to make things worse.

Disregarding her mother's wishes, Veronica presented what she'd found to her father's lawyer, who told her that he already knew and had the same concerns as her mother about revealing the information. Mr. Sowerberry then asked if she had changed her mind about her statement to which Veronica told him that she was actually less inclined following her discovery. Mr. Sowerberry informed her that he had spoken to her father about her conflicted feelings, and produced a letter from Hiram to Veronica. In the letter, Hiram implied that Hermione was not as innocent as Veronica thought, and if Veronica didn't make a statement on his behalf, her mother would be drawn into the mess. He then threatened that she think carefully of what she would do next as both her and her mother's lives would depend on it. Later, at Jughead's 16th birthday party, Veronica began to wonder if maybe her father did have something to do with Jason Blossom's murder, after all.

The next day, she had a brief discussion with Smithers, in which he informed her that while her father may be a terrible man, her mother is an unequivocally good person. Despite her current feelings towards her father, Veronica then went to Mr. Sowerberry's office and decided to testify on her father's behalf, but she was doing it for her mother, who she believed in. Afterwards, in The Blue and Gold offices, Veronica revealed to Betty that her father had hired Jughead's father, FP Jones, to trash the drive and lower the land's value. She posited that perhaps her father had hired FP to do other jobs, such as go after Jason Blossom as payback for what the Blossoms had done to him. Whatever the truth was, she wanted to know, so she joined Betty's investigation. When she returned home that day she found that her father had sent her a new pearl necklace as thanks for her statement.[7]

Days later, Hermione received a phone call from Mr. Sowerberry who revealed that their statements had made a big difference in Hiram's case and the judge was inclined to give him a break, which would amount to time served or just a few more months. Veronica wondered what would happen once he was released, if they would move back to New York. Hermione suggested that Hiram could move to Riverdale, however, Veronica was worried about the crimes he had committed, including, possibly, Jason Blossom's murder. Frustrated with her daughter, Hermione told her to stop as there was no proof Hiram had anything to do with his death and that she needed to be supportive of her father rather than demonize him.

Later, in The Blue and Gold offices, Alice, Betty and Veronica were discussing Jason's death and Veronica told them that her father had a huge grudge against the Blossoms and it was a definite possibility that he had had Jason killed while he was in jail.She had a strong suspicion that he had hired Jughead's father to do so. Alice thought FP was a good suspect but Betty was firmly against the idea and shut the topic down. However, Veronica returned to the office and told Alice that she wanted to help her discover the truth about FP as that would allow her to learn the truth about her father as well. Veronica later convinced Archie to help her search FP's trailer while Alice kept him away to look for anything that connected FP or her father to Jason Blossom. After searching the whole trailer, however, they found nothing and Veronica became increasingly frantic, which caused Archie to ask if she wanted her father to be guilty, but Veronica just wanted to know the truth. She needed to be sure about her father when he came home.

After FP Jones was arrested for Jason Blossom's murder, Hermione was worried that he might reveal Hiram's dealings with the Serpents. Veronica, however, was satisfied that at least they would know the truth and if it turned out that Hiram was involved, Hermione assured her daughter that they would cut all ties with him. Worried, Veronica posited that they might not be able to walk away so easily.[8]

Release from Prison

Hiram awaiting Veronica's return

Hiram returned to Riverdale following his release from prison. He sat at the table with Hermione at his side, awaiting Veronica's return home. Veronica entered the door soon thereafter. He came home early to surprise her, but imagine his surprise when she wasn't there to greet him. Hermione chimed in, telling Hiram about how Veronica drank his Cristal. So disrespectful, Hiram remarked. Not like Veronica at all, to which she admitted to changing since the last time they saw one another. The only question left was whether or not Hiram has changed, which he may have, but not so much that he still doesn't want a kiss from his daughter. Veronica approached to kiss him on the cheek before informing him that Fred Andrews was recovering from his gun shot wound.[9]

Secretly Buying Pop's

On his way in from an early run, Hiram confronted Veronica on the fact that she was actively avoiding him — leaving before breakfast and coming home after dinner. He couldn't even recall the last meal they ate as a family, though Veronica could. She reminded him that their last family meal was at the Dakota. The day he got arrested. Perhaps her father's arrest is something they should all talk about over dinner. However, Veronica claimed to have plans, then going on to quote a New Yorker cartoon, "how about never, Dad, is never good for you?".

Veronica and Hiram discussing their relationship

Later that day, Hiram surprised Veronica at school with a beautiful bouquet of yellow roses, asking if he could speak to her privately. Just outside the school, Hiram explained that every day he was in prison, he thought about getting back to Veronica and Hermione. And while he knew it wouldn't be easy, and knew it would take time, he was hoping that Veronica would at least meet him halfway. It's not that she didn't want to, but as Veronica put it, the blindfold's off, and she couldn't just put it back on. Hiram's arrest and the events that followed resulted in Veronica seeing him in a whole new light. As Veronica prepared to reconvene with her friends, Hiram offered to help with her crusade to save Pop's Chock'lit Shoppe from closing in any way he could. However, Veronica was very dismissive of his offer.

Hermione and Hiram vs Veronica

That night, Hiram's dinner with Hermione was interrupted by Veronica, who accused Hiram of buying Pop's shoppe in an effort to buy her. Hiram denied the accusation before insisting that Veronica sit down so that they could speak civilly. All he wanted was a fair hearing to explain himself. Veronica suggested that they talk about Fred and the shooting at the diner. Fred was shot one day after he rejected the offer to sale his portion of the SoDale project, which led Veronica to wonder if it was Hiram that called for Fred to be shot. Hiram insisted that the attack at the diner was not his doing. Unconvinced with Hiram's statement, Veronica explained that she was his fiercest protector, which Hermione could vouch for. Whenever someone called him the devil incarnate, she always came to his defense, telling herself that Hiram wasn't that bad and that he can be forgiven. However, all that changed when she received a letter from him, threatening Hermione. After reading the letter, Hermione explained that Hiram didn't write the letter, she did. She wrote the letter threatening herself in order to get Veronica to testify on Hiram's behalf, so that they could come together as a family once more. Hearing this, Veronica stated that her mother and father were perfect for each other.

The Lodges starting over

The following night, Hiram and Hermione showed up for Retro Night in support of Veronica and her cause to keep the diner from closing. Much to their surprise, Veronica was willing to start over after taking into consideration how the evening was also a new beginning for Pop's. However, she asked for total transparency in return. The thought of being a family again excited Hiram, so much so that he gave Veronica a hug. In the spirit of that, Hiram proposed that Lodge Industries make a "charitable contribution" to the diner.

Hiram returned home with Veronica and Hermione. They are greeted at the door by Andre, their new doorman. Hiram informed Veronica that Smithers' mother fell ill, so he went home, over seas, to care for her, and that Andre was his replacement[10]

Hiram exited his study to find Veronica and Hermione arguing. Veronica asked if her inner-circle of friends could come over to watch the season premiere of The Matchlerette. She even extended an invitation to Hiram for him join them as they were supposedly dying to meet him.

Hiram meeting Veronica's friends

That night, Hiram and Hermione stopped by to meet Veronica's friends before leaving for dinner at the club. Veronica introduced him to each of her friends, starting with Betty Cooper, then onto Jughead Jones, the son of FP Jones, who Hiram claimed was a good man that valued family. He hoped that FP's return came sooner rather than later. Finally, he was introduced to Archie Andrews, the boy whose captured his daughter's heart. He and Archie shared a firm handshake as he instructed Archie to call him Hiram rather than Mr. Lodge. He couldn't help but hear their previous discussion in regards to the frustration they were demonstrating towards Sheriff Keller and his inability to catch the killer. As someone whose had his fair share of run-ins with the law, Hiram could say with confidence that the police weren't always the solution. Drastic times called for drastic measures, meaning they would have to take justice into their own hands. Before leaving, he invited Archie over for dinner later in the week. He looked forward to seeing what Archie came up with for saving Riverdale.

The Lodge having Archie over for dinner

The following night, Archie, who was visibly nervous, came over for dinner as planned. He observed as Veronica placed her hand on Archie uncontrollably shaking leg, to clam him. Hiram asked Archie about Ethel Muggs, who he had rescued the prior night. Unfortunately, the individual stalking her got away. Admittedly, they needed to increase their response time, which Hiram understood as he too liked to be ahead of the threat. He then asked Archie if he's ever had rum. There was a signature Lodge family label that he had in his study, asking if Archie would like to try some. Of course he would, Veronica replied. However, she mistook this as an offer to join them, which it wasn't as Hiram asked that she stay behind, providing him and Archie with the opportunity to talk man-to-man.

Veronica asking to have a more involved role in Lodge Industries

While reading the morning paper at the breakfast table, Veronica proposed that she be granted an active role in Lodge Industries considering that she was a shareholder, though that was merely an honorary title, Hiram explained, leading Veronica to suggest that they make it a legitimate title. She wanted to get her hands dirty and be in the room where it all happened, to get a peek behind the curtains. Hiram agreed that as a Lodge, it was her right to be more involved in the family business. Following his discussion with Veronica, he watched from his laptop as Archie and his fellow Red Circle members, all of whom were wearing red masks, sent a message to the Black Hood, threatening to hunt him down.[11]

Veronica being questioned by Hiram and Hermione

With the Red Circle's public message to the Black Hood sending the town into panic, Hiram and Hermione confronted Veronica on her involvement with the group. Veronica claimed to have no affiliation with the Red Circle or the viral video, though she didn't seem to think it was as serious as they were making it out to be. Hermione explained that it was a video threatening violence, which in turn made Archie dangerous in the eyes of Hiram and Hermione, though the latter took it a step further by forbidding Veronica from seeing Archie any further. However, Veronica had no intent on breaking off their relationship without first getting Archie's side of the story. As Veronica left for school, a grin formed on Hiram's face, between the Black hood, the Red Circle, and the Town Hall meeting, there was so much chaos and confusion, providing the perfect opportunity for a business man like himself to capitalize off of.

Hiram in his study

Hiram was interrupted in his study by Veronica, who returned home from school to ask about what he and Archie talked about during the night they invited him over for dinner. Hiram claimed to have no recollection of the specifics of his and Archie's conversation. Veronica was asking because one of the things she loved about Archie is how earnest he is, in more of an innocent sort of way, making him both trusting and kind. However, that simplicity also made him impressionable, as well as vulnerable to certain forms of attack, such as manipulation. If someone were to pour poison into one of his ears, a dark notion in the shape of the Red Circle may take form for instance. Hiram began to wonder if Veronica was suggesting that he had something to do with Archie's sudden reckless behavior. But Veronica explained that she wasn't suggesting anything, merely asking what he and Archie talked about. Unfortunately, just as Hiram said before, he didn't remember what he and Archie discussed. He then asked if Veronica could excuse him because the Swiss banks were about to close, and he had a call with the Lodge Charitable Trust to make. [12]

SoDale Open House

Hiram learning of latest published article from the Register

Hiram sat in his study with Veronica and Hermione, who read aloud the latest published article from the Register, in which Alice Cooper accused him of wanting to profit off of [[Riverdale (town)]|Riverdale]]'s misfortunes, rather than fix them. Hiram explained that they couldn't allow anything to derail the SoDale project, that included Alice, the southside gangs (Southside Serpents and Ghoulies), and the Black Hood. They're biggest problem was capital, which they were running out of at a fast rate, Hermione informed him. Fortunately, Hiram had invited potential investors to the open house, specifically the St. Clair's, who were coming up from New York. Veronica was thrilled to hear that an old friend of hers, Nick St. Clair, would be coming up with them for the opening. According to Hiram, he was a budding music producer, and his father was King Midas rich. If they could get the St. Clair's to invest, then others would surely follow. Hiram and Hermione looked to Veronica to help them close the deal by showing Nick the best sides of Riverdale.

Several days later, Hiram and Hermione arrived at the opening, arm-in-arm, greeting guests as they proceeded down the aisle. If the successful turn out of the open house didn't convince the St. Clair's to invest, nothing would. Hiram called over Veronica to ask how things were going with her showing Nick the best that Riverdale had to offer. From all reports, Veronica's charm offensive was paying off.[13]

Hermione and Hiram being confronted by Veronica

Despite learning from Veronica that Nick St. Clair attempted to rape Cheryl Blossom at the SoDale Gala Opening, the Lodges continued to do business with the St. Clairs, that is until they were confronted by Veronica. Hiram and Hermione were playing chess in the living room, when Veronica entered to confront them on their business dealings with the St. Clairs, having learned from Cheryl that they were still allowing the St. Clairs to invest in the SoDale project, even after Nick attacked Cheryl. Hiram tried to make claim that Cheryl's accusations were not strong enough as she lacked any physical evidence to support what was being said. However, Veronica insisted that Cheryl was telling the truth, and she knew this because Nick attempted to do the same to her. Upon hearing this, Hiram's dismissive attitude toward the situation abruptly changed to anger, vowing to never take a single penny from the St. Clairs ever again.

The following night, the phone rang as Veronica read, while they played chess in the living room. Hermione picked up the phone, getting news from Andre that the St. Clairs had gotten into a car accident; Nick would gradually recover, with time, but Xander and Simone St. Clair's status were not mentioned. "Oh, well. Karma's a bitch", Veronica said, as Hermione and Hiram continued playing chess.[14]

Hermione and Hiram talking about the Black Hood's letter

After receiving a threatening letter from someone claiming to be the Black Hood, Hiram and Hermione called Sheriff Keller over to investigate. As the Sheriff was leaving, Veronica returned the Pembrooke. Hiram informed her of the letter, and how it threatened that they would be targeted and punished for their sinful ways. Veronica was terrified by the letter considering that they were actually sinners, though Hiram and Hermione didn't express much concern given that dozens of households received the exact same letter as them. Not to mention that the Pembrooke was a fortress and Andre was trained in martial arts. In regards to Veronica's every day activities, such as going to school and shopping, Andre would drive her. But when he wasn't available, they'd hire a car service. After talking it over, Hiram and Hermione also wouldn't mind seeing more of Archie considering that he was brawny and devoted to Veronica.

During breakfast the next day, Veronica told her parents that Archie had said that he loved her, though she didn't say it back as she felt it was too soon. It didn't matter what Archie said or didn't say, it was about whether or not Veronica was ready to here it, Hiram and Hermione stated.[15]

The Family Business

Hiram and Hermione learning of Fred's medical bills

In the days leading up to Christmas, the Lodges ate dinner as a family, during which time, Hiram was asked by Hermione about the Spiffany's bag she saw him come in with earlier that day. It looked about the right size for a Glamerge egg, she added. That depends on whether she's been naughty or nice this year, Hiram replied. Hiram then assured Veronica that he had her Christmas list as well. But he asked of her to refrain from snooping as she does every year. However, Veronica wasn't in the Christmas spirit. She was frustrated and she wanted Hermione and Hiram to take a look at themselves and realize how fortunate and wasteful they were, spending money on bejeweled eggs like they were a family of Russian oligarchs while there were people in Riverdale who couldn't even afford to pay their own bills, such as Fred Andrews, who Veronica learned from Archie was drowning in medical bills to the tune of $86,000. Which is why she was hoping that Hermione and Hiram would cover his expenses. Unfortunately, the Lodge Charitable Trust had made its donations for the fiscal year. Fred would have to tighten his belt, so to speak. However, as Veronica informed Hiram, Fred was already selling Christmas trees for extra money. That's the kind of father he was, Veronica surmised. Regardless, Hiram wished to hear no more on the matter, storming off to his study.

Hiram and Hermione agreeing to tell Veronica the truth

The following night, Hiram and Hermione returned to the Pembrooke from last minute Christmas shopping after receiving a call from the bank, confirming a charge that was made from Hermione's credit card, in the amount of $86,000. They realized that it was Veronica's doing and came home to confront her. She deiced that her parents would cover Fred's medical expenses considering that they had the money to buy Pop's and then lie to her face about it. How is it that we can now afford a diner, Veronica wondered. Hiram addressed the fact that she wanted a more active role in Lodge Industries, which they gave to her. In response, she broke into his office and tried to use whatever she could find as leverage against them. While Hiram admitted that it was a lot Veronica didn't know, he informed her that this was intentional. Veronica questioned how she could be apart of the family if they continued to hide things from her. Veronica thought that she wanted to know everything, but she didn't, Hiram remarked. Though, with her name being on all of the documents in Hiram's desk, Veronica insisted that she had the right to know the truth about everything. Hermione agreed. However, this would also mean that the time for being "Daddy's little girl" is over. It was time for all of them to work in lockstep. Hiram agreed, telling Veronica to follow him to the study.

Hiram and Hermione making a deal with Veronica

In the study, Hiram and Hermione revealed everything to Veronica about their family's business. She agreed to join them in running Lodge Industries, though she had one condition; she refused to do anything illegal. Which was fine considering that they denounced any illegal activity on their behalf as well. Hermione shared with Veronica two words to live by; plausible deniability. In regards to the charge that Veronica made towards Fred's medical bills, she wanted that to stick. While Hiram was initially against doing so as it would only complicate things, Hermione agreed to Veronica's demand, stating that they could smooth it over. Furthermore, they needed Fred for what would come next. Assuming that the Fred situation could be finessed, Veronica agreed to the deal with her parents.

On Christmas morning, the Lodges unwrapped their gifts, during which time, they informed Veronica that Archie had stopped by the day before to leave her a gift.[16]

Veronica watching her parents meeting with the Mayor

As Riverdale returned to a sense of normalcy, Christmas over and the Black Hood gone, Hiram and Hermione continued to conduct secret business meetings with Mayor McCoy, having hosted her at the Pembrooke. Hiram took her into his private study as Veronica looked on. Hermione briefly stopped, smiling and gave a wink to Veronica. Veronica returned the gesture in kind.

Hiram and Hermione took a moment to check in on Veronica. Hiram was concerned about how she was feeling with their established plan. Veronica assured them that she was still on board. Hermione pressed her further revealing the severity of what's to come. She explained that once completed, she would be at ground zero, i.e. the eye of the hurricane. Their concern went unwarranted; she believed, regardless of what's to come, she'll be fine. However, she assured her parents that she'll be able to keep her classmates from revolting once the news broke. With renewed faith, they nodded at their daughter in silence.

Hiram and Hermione has dinner with Archie and Veronica.

That night Hiram and Hermione invited Archie up for dinner. He thanked the Lodges for helping his dad with his medical bills. The Lodges were happy to assist. Veronica explained that, in return, she had hoped he would stand beside her in welcoming the incoming Southside transfers. Archie agreed and took the opportunity to ask him and Hermione about the closure of Southside High. He assumed that being close to the SoDale project, it's bad for business. Hiram corrected him, saying that drugs, gangs, and violence was in fact bad for business. Archie also assumed that investors, like the St. Clairs, must be fine with it as well. Veronica updated him, saying that they were no longer investors. Hermione confirmed that due to what had transpired between Nick and Cheryl, they had severed all ties with the family; they didn't even call them after the accident. This news gained Archie's attention and so he asked what happened. Hiram claimed not to know what truly happened, that he either had a car accident driving back to Vail or on the slopes. Archie asked if he was okay, though Hermione assured Archie that he'd recovered enough to be back at Greenwich Prep.

Hermione and Hiram speak to Veronica.

In the coming week, Hiram and Hermione checked in with Veronica after a tumultuous week of turmoil between Southside and Northside integration. They'd learned some news from Mr. Weatherbee, relayed to them from Mayor McCoy, that integration of Southside High was not going well. Veronica mused that Reggie was just being Reggie. However she elaborated that gang ware, specifically the Serpent Jacket, had become a flashpoint. She proposed that a charitable donation would help them, that looking the part would quell the ever rising tension. Considering their options, Hiram looked towards his wife; they accepted her proposal in silence.[17]

The Lodges attended a meeting at the Andrews house with Fred, Mayor McCoy and Sheriff Keller, where they discussed the students who had been transferred to Riverdale High a week ago. While they were fine, their parents were in Mayor McCoy's office everyday to demand that she reopen Southside High. Which is why Hiram, Hermione and Fred had discussed how their new neighborhood could use something positive to focus on. With Mayor McCoy's blessing, they'd like to make Pickens Day a celebratory event. Sponsored by Lodge Industries with Andrews Construction co-sponsoring. Mayor McCoy took this to mean that they wanted to make Pickens Day a commercial event for the SoDale, similar to their open house, but as Veronica pointed out, the open house was for investors while Pickens Day would be for North and Southsiders alike. Two halves of a whole coming together. Mayor McCoy worried that trying to distract people with a party would backfire, resulting in violence. While the Southside Serpents had been laying low, they were wild cards and reasons for concern. Having prepared for just that scenario, Hiram, Hermione and Fred had offered to hire the Serpents as security for the event since FP had told Fred that the Serpents were looking for work. Furthermore, the party would let the Southside know that they haven't been abandoned. The meeting, unfortunately, came to an abrupt when Archie returned home.

Veronica telling her father that she and Archie are rehearsing for Pickens Day

The following night, at the Pembrooke, Veronica and Archie were rehearsing for their Pickens Day performance in her bedroom when Hiram interrupted. Archie offered to take it to the living room in the case that he was uncomfortable with them being in her bedroom together. But he assured them that they were fine just as they were. Admittedly, the thought of Archie and Veronica being in her room alone used to upset him deeply. But after seeing Archie's wrestling performance earlier that day, he was less worried. Veronica told her father to be nice. While not everyone could wrestle because it took a certain kind of man, her father told Archie that there was no shame in admitting defeat and accepting the fact that he was more suited to performing with the Pussycats. While Archie may not have been a star wrestler yet, he was an incredible musician, who according to Veronica, was even sexier when he sung. Archie thanked Veronica for her support with a kiss, but after thinking it over, he had decided against performing with the Pussycats. He would rather use that time practicing for wrestling.

Veronica breaking up her father and Archie's "juvenile chest-thumping contest"

The night after that, Veronica entered the study to the sight of Archie and her father in the middle of a juvenile chest-thumping contest. Her father assured her that this wasn't the case. He claimed that he had actually invited Archie over to plan some one-on-one training. But Veronica wasn't buying it since she could see the urge to kill the other in both of their eyes.

Hiram invited Veronica to see Archie wrestle on the final day of tryouts after he had lied to her and told her that they had worked everything out over a good talk. Little did Archie know, Hiram had arranged for Archie to go up against Chuck, who had the advantage given that he had more experience and was of a higher weight class. Hiram and Veronica watched from the stands as Archie and Chuck faced off on the mat. Archie and Chuck went back and forth for some time. But ultimately, Archie managed to gain the upper hand and pull the upset victory over Chuck, which certainly came as a surprise to Hiram, who watching from the stands with Veronica, gave Archie and round of applause for his performance.

Hiram defusing the Serpents' protest

Hiram watched as Veronica and the Pussycats i.e. Valerie and Melody, took to the center stage in Pickens Park to perform for the crowd. Unfortunately, the Southside Serpents, with duct-tape on their mouths and signs in their hands that read 'honor this land' and 'sacred land', interrupted their performance half way through. Toni, who seemingly lead the charge, stood in front of the stage with Sweet Pea and Fogarty to announce that they represented the dead and the silenced. Pickens Day was a lie. General Pickens slaughtered the Uktena tribe, Toni's grandfather's family. And the land in which they were standing on, would soon give way to a new Southside, which was stolen from them. While the Serpents couldn't bring them back, they could at the very least honor them. Hoping to calm the crowd, Hiram got on stage to applaud the Serpents for standing up for justice, as well as the honor and legacy of the Uktena, who contribute to the rich tapestry that is Riverdale, that is the Southside and that will be SoDale.[18]

Confirmation Ceremony

Hiram entered the living room to the sight of Veronica in her ceremonial dress in preparation for her confirmation ceremony. He was amazed with her beauty and excited that Veronica would be confirmed in front of the family. Veronica made him the happiest and proudest father alive.

Veronica confronting her father about Archie

Later that night, Veronica barged into her father's study to ask why he invited Archie to work the Casino Royal. She was worried that he might find out all their family's secrets. Though Hiram informed her that business wasn't discussed when the family gathers for such sacred celebrations as Veronica's confirmation. However, knowing her father, he had a agenda. So she demanded to know what it was. After hearing about how Archie took initiative with Nick st. Clair, Hiram wanted to see how Archie would handle himself in a room of his peers. If Archie and Veronica's relationship persisted, at some point, they may have to bring Archie in. And while outsiders aren't traditionally brought into the family, Archie might be an exception. Hiram believed that he may be more like them than he was initially given credit for. However, Veronica disagreed with that. Stating that he was nothing like them. And she didn't want him to be compromised. With that being said, Hiram told Veronica that she would eventually have to make a decision to either bring Archie in, or keep him on the outside, forever.

Abuelita, Hiram and Hermione at the ceremony

On the day of the Confirmation, Hiram sat alongside Hermione and his mother as Veronica's ceremony commenced with her and Josie singing a duet of "Bitter Sweet Symphony" from the Cruel Intentions soundtrack. He watched proudly as Veronica was anointed and confirmed by Monsignor Murphy. Afterward, during the post-ceremony celebration, Sierra told Hiram and Hermione that it was a beautiful service before handing them a deed. They had officially become the proud owners of what was previously Southside High. He later cut in on Veronica's dance with Archie. During which time, after thinking it over, Veronica told him that she didn't want Archie to be brought in and made apart of their life of crime.

That night, after the party, Veronica received one last gift. She opened it to discover the head of General Pickens' statue. Realizing that it was actually for her parents, she called them over to deal with the head that was wrapped neatly in a box. [19]

Hiram looking at the Pickens statue

Picking up from where the previous episode left off, the Lodges gathered around the head of General Pickens' statue as it sat on the table. Hiram interpreted the delivery of the head as a deceleration of war. Hermione added that they always knew that they would have to go to war eventually. But of course, there was another option. Veronica reminded them that at Spence, she was Secretary General of the Model UN, and before declaring war, they'd always try to negotiate a settlement. So if she could broker a detente between the Contras and the Sandinistas, then Hiram could surely de-escalate relations with the Southside Serpents. Veronica offered to get them to the table while all he had to do is play nice, which shouldn't be too much to ask for since he's such an accomplished businessman.

After a chat with Archie, Hiram approached Veronica as she was preparing for the negotiation with the Jones. He understood that certain aspects of his business were troubling, so if she wanted to know something, he was more than willing to answer her. Veronica asked if he had anything to do with Poppa Poutine's death. He claimed that he didn't.

The negoiation

At the trailer park, Veronica sat quietly as her father negotiated with Jughead and FP. He thanked them for agreeing to sit down to discuss the misunderstanding, but they were already aware that he had paid Tall Boy to decapitate the Pickens Statue as an excuse to turn up the heat on the Serpents. This had a lot of nervous people scared that they were going to lose their homes. They had heard about that and though it supposedly had nothing to do with them, her father had spoken to Mayor McCoy. And as a gesture of good will to the Southside community, he offered to settle any back rent that they or their neighbors may owe the town. In return, Hiram claimed that he only wanted peace. However, his true intentions were to bribe Jughead from mentioning him in the upcoming exposé that Jughead was writing. Unfortunately for them, Jughead refused to be compromised so he and FP turned down their deal.

Hiram and Hermione planning to expose the Mayor

Later that night, Hiram and Hermione got into a heated argument with Mayor McCoy at the Pembrooke, who as she exited, said that she was fairly close to telling Jughead everything and that it would be a lot worse for them than it would be for her. With Veronica standing just outside the door, Hiram and Hermione explained to her that given the hatchet-job that Jughead was writing about them, they decided it was best to accelerate the timetable. So they told Sierra they might have to announce their plans for Southside High, but the Mayor refused and demanded that they wait until after she's reelected. Should they proceed without her, she threatened to expose them. If this wasn't handled properly, the whole town would be out for their blood. However, if they got Sierra out of the Mayor's office, under a cloud of scandal, the damage she could do to them would be minimized. They would go about doing that by revealing her affair with Sheriff Keller.

Veronica lying about warning Mayor McCoy

The following day, Veronica joined her parents in the living room as they watched Mayor McCoy resign from office over a live broadcast. She claimed that she was stepping down as Mayor to spend more time with her family and return to her own legal career. Veronica's parents were surprised by Sierra sudden decision to resign since they hadn't even made their play yet. Veronica surmised that this was good news since now they don't have to. If they did, it would be cruel. Shortly after the Mayor's resignation, Veronica was approached by her father who suspected that she was responsible for warning the Mayor of their plan to expose her. Despite this being precisely what Veronica did, she lied and told her father that she didn't.[20]

Hiram telling Archie and Veronica to go to the lake house

Although, he and [[[Hermione Lodge|Hermione]] had originally planned to go up to the lake house that weekend, they had to cancel due to an unforeseen business meeting with the families. So Hiram suggested that Veronica and Archie go in their place as a romantic get-away. Hiram offered to send Andre with them. He could stay nearby and take them into town if need be. While Veronica was fine with Andre driving them down and later picking them up Sunday night, she insisted that Andre leave immediately after dropping them off. Hiram agreed to her demands, and he even suggested that they invite Betty and Jughead along with them to make it a fun time for the group.[21]

Moving Forward with SoDale

Hiram, Hermione, Veronica, Archie and Fred having dinner

Hiram and Hermione invited Fred and Archie over for dinner at the Pembrooke where Hermione, Hiram and Fred reminisced about stories from their youth when they apparently broke into Thornhill for a swim and stole the school's van. However, according to Hermione, it wasn't her and Mary who stole the van for a joyride, rather it was Alice. He and Hermione then invited Fred into the study where they proposed that he run for Mayor.

Hiram and Hermione telling Veronica to influence Archie

The next morning at the breakfast table, with the odds of Fred saying yes to their proposal being at about 50-50, Hiram and Hermione suggested that Veronica influence Archie into convincing Fred to run for Mayor. Veronica influenced Archie while Archie influenced Fred, Hiram explained. When they revealed their plans, it would sound better coming from him as he was well respected in the community. While reluctant, Veronica agreed to her parents' request.

Hiram and Hermione watched as Veronica got blown off by Archie when she called him the next day after doing some research. Apparently, Fred needed 12,000 signatures before he could even run for Mayor. And so Veronica was thinking that the two of them could collect the signatures together. However, Archie claimed that he had homework to do before hanging up.

Hiram and Hermione asking Veronica why she told Jughead about Pop's

The following evening, Hiram, Veronica and Hermione learned from Pop Tate that Jughead was asking questions about the ownership of Pop's Chock'lit Shoppe and that there was someone in their inner circle feeding him information. The only people that knew about the secret purchasing of Pop's were the three of them and Archie, leaving them to believe that Archie was the mole. Although, Veronica confessed to telling Jughead about them secretly buying Pop's in order to get him off their trail. She explained that Jughead was grilling her about SoDale, Southside High and Sunnyside Trailer Park while they were at Shadow Lake. Hoping to throw him off, Veronica distracted Jughead with the smallest truth she could, or so she claimed. While Hiram was enraged, Hermione claimed it was quick thinking. She agreed with Veronica's decision to feed Jughead a little bit of information in order to keep him from learning a lot more. Her gambit bought them the time that they needed for some preemptive damage control.[22]

Hiram and Hermione scolding Veronica

Hiram and Hermione confronted Veronica after learning that she had punched Reggie Mantle in the face at school. Veronica apologized for stepping out of line, though she was suddenly determined to get Ethel Muggs' father a job at the prison to make amends for them ruining the Muggs' life. However, Hiram refused to oblige her request and demanded that she keep her head buried in the sand, so to speak.[23]

Veronica and Archie playing peacemakers as their parents argue

Hiram and Hermione attended the school hall meeting at Veronica's school, where she and Archie squared off against Jughead, Betty, Reggie and Josie. Afterward, Hiram and Hermione exchanged words in the hallway with Fred and Mary as Archie and Veronica played peacemakers. All of Riverdale was buzzing about Fred's decision to run against Hermione for Mayor. When Mary pointed out that they were still waiting for Hiram to sign the papers to release Fred from his contract to Lodge Industries, Hermione addressed the fact that they were still waiting for Mary and Fred to sign the NDA that they had sent over.

Hiram, Hermione, Veronica and Archie arrived at the Pembrooke where they were greeted by Andre and Adams. In the lobby was Lenny Kowalski and Carl Martin. Two mob bosses who requested to speak with Hiram privately. While it was late, Hiram agreed to give them a few moments of his time. After telling Adams to take Veronica and Hermione upstairs.

Hiram and Hermione planning their next move

Later that week, Andre was attacked in the lobby of the Pembrooke. Archie managed to unmasked the hooded assailant who he discovered was Adams. He had apparently double-crossed the Lodges. Adams then punched Archie and told him to tell Hiram to take Kowalski and Martin's deal. Archie relaid this message to the Lodges who weren't pleased. They concluded that Kowalski and Martin either offered Adams money or he sensed that they were weak and vulnerable. The message being sent was clear, either cut Kowalski and Martin in or suffer the consequences. With them being essentially unprotected, Archie offered to keep watch on the lobby. However, that was only a short-term solution to a long-term problem which Hiram had no answer for. As for the time being, they would circle the wagon. Any campaigning that Hermione needed to do would be done from the Pembrooke and Veronica was only ever to be at home or school, and Archie was to see her to and fro.

The Lodges gifting Archie with a car

A couple days later, Hiram, Hermione and Veronica arranged a surprise for Archie. They met him outside of Pop's Chock'lit Shoppe with a brand new car that they had purchased for him. Archie couldn't except such an amazing gift but they insisted that he take it, especially since he would have to continue his duty of escorting Veronica to and from school. While Veronica started up the car, Hiram pulled Archie to the side to explain that blowing up Kowalski and Martin's car was the very definition of a short-term solution which Archie was very much aware of. Their enemies would be back to take everything though Archie was sure they would be ready for them when they did. Archie then hopped in the car and he and Veronica headed off to school.[24]